The Government has announced the first steps towards creating a National Care Service for England, with proposals for long-term funding and comprehensive reform of the social care system expected by 2028. The initiative aims to address the increasing pressures on adult social care and integrate it more effectively with the NHS.
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Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that an independent commission, led by Baroness Louise Casey, will commence its work in April 2024. The commission will focus on stabilising the care sector and delivering medium and long-term reforms in two distinct phases. The initial phase, reporting in mid-2026, will evaluate current challenges and recommend immediate reforms, while the second phase, expected by 2028, will propose a sustainable framework for the future.
Mr Streeting stated:
“The reforms announced today will help modernise social care, alleviate pressure on the NHS, and lay the groundwork for our Plan for Change. However, our ageing population and escalating care costs require decisive long-term action.”
The Health Secretary emphasised the need for cross-party collaboration to ensure the sustainability of the proposed National Care Service.
Commission’s mandate
Baroness Casey highlighted the critical role of the commission, saying:
“This independent commission represents an opportunity to start a national conversation, identify solutions, and build consensus for a long-term plan to fix our care system. Millions of people rely on adult social care to live with independence and dignity.”
The Labour Government has committed to delivering a robust National Care Service that meets the needs of older and disabled people while addressing workforce challenges.
Mixed reactions to the announcement
The announcement has garnered a range of reactions. While some welcome the focus on reform, others expressed concerns about delays in implementation.
Sarah Woolnough, CEO of The King’s Fund, said:
“This is an opportunity to break the cycle of neglect in social care reform. However, the Government must accelerate the second phase, as waiting until 2028 is too long for those who urgently need care.”
Professor Martin Green, CEO of Care England, echoed these concerns:
“This commission risks becoming another report that gathers dust while the sector crumbles. We’ve seen decades of studies and recommendations without meaningful action.”
Hugh Alderwick of The Health Foundation warned of repeating past mistakes:
“The adult social care system has suffered from decades of neglect. A three-year wait for long-term funding reforms risks perpetuating delays and broken promises.”
Immediate investments
In the short term, the Government announced a funding boost for the Disabled Facilities Grant, increasing this year’s total to £711 million. The grant enables elderly and disabled individuals to make home improvements, such as installing ramps, stairlifts, or extensions, to maintain their independence. An estimated 7,800 additional beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the funding.
Additionally, care workers will be trained to perform basic health checks, such as blood pressure monitoring, reducing the need for patients to visit clinics and easing NHS pressures. Plans for a digital platform to share medical information between care staff and the NHS were also unveiled.
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Call for urgency
Despite these immediate measures, many stakeholders remain focused on the need for swift action on long-term reforms. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, stressed:
“The delay in addressing funding until the second phase is a major concern. Today’s older people don’t have time on their side, and the state of our politics and economy by 2028 is uncertain.”
NHS England CEO Amanda Pritchard added:
“A long-term solution for social care is critical to creating an NHS that is fit for the future.”
Opposition’s response
Shadow Health Secretary Edward Argar criticised the delay in delivering comprehensive reforms, stating:
“Labour has had 14 years in opposition, yet still lacks a concrete plan for social care. While there are positive elements in this package, the Government must prioritise the cross-party discussions they promised to rebuild consensus.”
Outlook
As England’s ageing population and rising care costs intensify, the Government faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible and lasting reforms to the social care system. Stakeholders across the spectrum agree that immediate action is essential to provide dignity and independence for millions relying on care services. Whether the commission’s findings will lead to transformative change or add to the growing list of unrealised promises remains to be seen.
